Research before starting internship?

[HarbingerKing]

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I recently matched into a categorical IM residency at a local pseudo-academic community program. This was by no means my top choice; I was aiming for a big-name university program as I am interested in GI fellowship. While there is a decent GI fellowship at this institution and they take a good number of their own residents, I know I'm going to have an uphill battle if I want to be a competitive applicant 3 years from now. Research will be a must, obviously.

I'm thinking about reaching out to find a mentor at my new institution to get started on research early, during my time off before July 1. Has anyone done this/heard of doing this? I know everyone is going to tell me to "calm down and enjoy this time" but my school gives us a ridiculous amount of time off (5 months) and I'm pretty sure I won't regret investing a few hours a week in a research project. Thoughts? Advice?

 

[Trogghunter]

Relax and enjoy the time off, but the earlier you start the better. However, you run the risk of being an overzealous underperforming M4, if you don't have a research background .

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I recently matched into a categorical IM residency at a local pseudo-academic community program. This was by no means my top choice; I was aiming for a big-name university program as I am interested in GI fellowship. While there is a decent GI fellowship at this institution and they take a good number of their own residents, I know I'm going to have an uphill battle if I want to be a competitive applicant 3 years from now. Research will be a must, obviously.

I'm thinking about reaching out to find a mentor at my new institution to get started on research early, during my time off before July 1. Has anyone done this/heard of doing this? I know everyone is going to tell me to "calm down and enjoy this time" but my school gives us a ridiculous amount of time off (5 months) and I'm pretty sure I won't regret investing a few hours a week in a research project. Thoughts? Advice?

Calm down and enjoy this time.

 

[Helen Wheels]

I am so jealous! I only get three weeks off between graduation and residency. I recommend you enjoy your time off.

 

[evilbooyaa]

If you want to do so, try to get something done during your time off. I'd recommend against having a project that you'd have to continue when residency actually starts.